(From L-R) KCB Group CEO Paul Russo presents a cheque to CS Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Hon. Salim Mvurya, PS Sports Peter Tum and Safai Rally CEO Charles Gacheru during the official launch of the 2025 KCB WRC Safari Rally Sponsorship at Kencom, Nairobi on January 30, 2025.
Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) invests KShs. 209 million in 2025 Safari Rally to boost Kenyan motorsports .KCB Bank has reiterated its commitment to sports by investing KShs. 209 million into the 2025 WRC Safari Rally. The funding, now in its fifth consecutive year, is aimed at supporting local drivers, promoting sustainability and strengthening Kenya’s status as a global motorsport hub.
The rally, which will take place in Naivasha from March 20-23, will attract top drivers and motorsport enthusiasts from around the world. KCB’s sponsorship will ensure a well-organized event, while providing a platform for local talent to compete at an international level. The bank will sponsor four Kenyan rally drivers – Karan Patel, Nikhil Sachania, Evans Kavisi and Tinashe Gatimu. Kavisi is making a long-awaited comeback, while Gatimu is making her debut as part of the KCB Racing Team.
Speaking at the sponsorship launch in Nairobi, KCB Group CEO Paul Russo highlighted the importance of the rally beyond motorsport. “The WRC Safari Rally is more than just a competition. It is a platform to showcase Kenya’s potential on the global stage. At KCB, we believe in breaking barriers and through this sponsorship, we are empowering Kenyan drivers while driving the country’s socio-economic growth,” he said.
From the KShs. 209 million sponsorship, KShs. 100 million will go towards rally logistics and preparations. KShs. 23 million will directly support the four drivers while KShs. 86 million will go towards activations, branding, hospitality and the Revvisha na KCB campaign that promotes savings culture among Kenyans.
The Cabinet Secretary for Youth, Creative Economy and Sports, Hon. Salim Mvurya, commended KCB for its continued investment in motorsport. “The Safari Rally has put Kenya on the global sporting map, attracting thousands of visitors and injecting billions into our economy. KCB’s commitment ensures that Kenyan talent continues to thrive and compete at the highest level,” he said.
Since the return of the WRC Safari Rally to Kenya in 2021, KCB has invested KShs. 800 million into the event. Over the past two decades, the bank has invested KShs. 2.3 billion into motorsports, opening doors for more drivers and navigators to turn their passion into a career.
Beyond the thrill of racing, KCB is integrating sustainability into the event. The bank has committed to planting 3,000 trees during the rally to support environmental conservation, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 13 on climate action. In addition, an art competition for primary schools in Nakuru County will promote environmental awareness and creativity among young learners.
The four-day rally will kick off with a ceremonial launch in Kasarani on March 20, followed by the Super Special Stage at KICC. The action will then move to Camp Moran and Morendat in Naivasha, passing through iconic locations such as Sleeping Warrior, Elementaita, Soysambu, Malewa and Hell’s Gate before concluding with a grand awards ceremony.
